In an era where digital systems underpin nearly every aspect of scientific research and international collaboration, skilled IT professionals play a critical role in enabling institutions to achieve their missions.
One such opportunity is the Senior IT Assistant (G-6) position with UNESCO, based in Trieste, Italy, at the renowned Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). This role offers not only professional growth in a highly specialized international environment but also the chance to contribute meaningfully to scientific capacity building in developing countries.
With an application deadline of 12 January 2026 (midnight Paris time), this one-year Project Appointment is open to internal and external candidates who are legally entitled to work in the European Union. For experienced IT professionals passionate about innovation, systems integration, and global development, this vacancy represents a compelling career step.
About UNESCO and ICTP
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized UN agency dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. Guided by its core values—Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Professionalism—UNESCO works to build peace through intellectual solidarity and sustainable development.
Within UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector, the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) holds a special place. Founded in 1964 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, ICTP is located in Trieste, Italy, and has spent more than five decades supporting scientists from developing countries. Its mission is to provide advanced education, training, and research opportunities, helping to stem the scientific brain drain and foster long, productive scientific careers worldwide.
Behind ICTP’s success lies a robust and evolving ICT infrastructure—one that this Senior IT Assistant will help to design, maintain, and modernize.
Position Overview
- Job Title: Senior IT Assistant
- Post Number: 1ITSC PA122TP
- Grade: G-6
- Duty Station: Trieste, Italy
- Sector: Natural Sciences
- Contract Type: Project Appointment
- Duration: 1 year
- Recruitment: Internal and External
- Annual Starting Salary: Approx. EUR 50,372
This position sits within the ICT Unit at ICTP and reports directly to the IT Engineer, under the general supervision of the Head of ICT and the overall authority of the Director of ICTP.
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Purpose of the Role
The Senior IT Assistant will contribute to projects aimed at developing, redesigning, maintaining, and integrating ICTP systems that fall outside UNESCO’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) framework. These systems are critical for supporting ICTP’s operational processes efficiently and securely.
The role is embedded in a broader process review exercise, ensuring that ICTP adopts modern digital tools aligned with best practices while remaining flexible to its unique scientific and administrative needs.
Key Responsibilities and Functions
In this hands-on technical role, the Senior IT Assistant will be involved across the full software development life cycle, from needs assessment to deployment and support. Key duties include:
- Business Needs Analysis:
Working closely with the IT Engineer and process owners to identify and document business requirements, analyze workflows, and assess whether custom development or off-the-shelf solutions are most appropriate. - System Design and Development:
Participating in planning, specification, design, and development of application systems, ensuring compliance with institutional standards and industry best practices.
- Software Testing and Quality Assurance:
Implementing new releases through rigorous testing, optimization, and quality assurance across multiple system modules. - Documentation and Training:
Drafting, reviewing, and validating technical and user documentation, training materials, and presentations; supporting user training sessions and maintaining document repositories. - Deployment and Support:
Managing software deployment, version control, data recovery, and providing second-level technical support to ensure continuity of operations.
- System Integration:
Supporting integration efforts to maintain interoperability between applications and databases, coordinating with internal teams and external partners as needed. - Mentorship and Teamwork:
Working alongside junior staff, providing guidance on development, testing, and documentation practices. - Additional Project Support:
Performing other related duties that contribute to the overall success of ICT Unit projects.
Required Qualifications and Experience
UNESCO is seeking a seasoned IT professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to work independently in a complex environment.
Education
- Completed secondary, technical, or vocational school.
Work Experience
- At least eight (8) years of practical experience in software development and database management.
- Demonstrated experience in web application development and working with relational databases.
- Exposure to software deployment and integration of data from multiple databases and back-end services.
- Proven ability to work under minimal supervision while following coding standards and best practices.
Technical Skills
- Practical knowledge of software development, particularly Perl and relational databases.
- Familiarity with software testing standards and development life-cycle methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a quality-driven, “test-to-break” mindset.
- Ability to draft clear and effective technical and user documentation.
- Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Languages
- Excellent working knowledge of English (spoken and written).
Desirable Qualifications
While not mandatory, the following will be considered strong assets:
- Experience working in an international or multicultural environment.
- Specialized training or certifications relevant to IT or software development.
- Knowledge of web services, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, JSON, frameworks such as jQuery or Bootstrap, SQL, PostgreSQL, and Linux.
- Familiarity with the UN system or international organizations.
- Working knowledge of Italian.
- Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Competencies That Matter
UNESCO places strong emphasis on professional competencies. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:
- Professionalism and accountability
- Clear communication
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Strong planning and organizational skills
- Results orientation
- Teamwork and knowledge sharing
These competencies align with UNESCO’s broader commitment to excellence, integrity, and respect for diversity.
Benefits and Work Environment
In addition to a competitive salary, UNESCO offers an attractive benefits package, which may include:
- 30 days of annual leave
- Medical insurance
- Pension plan
- Family allowances, where applicable
Working at ICTP in Trieste also means being part of a vibrant international scientific community, collaborating with experts from around the world while enjoying the cultural richness of northern Italy.
Selection and Recruitment Process
All applicants must submit a complete online application through the UNESCO careers portal. Applications are evaluated strictly against the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice and may involve written tests, technical assessments, and interviews (including video or teleconference formats). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and final candidates will undergo reference checks.
UNESCO maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment.
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Why Apply?
This Senior IT Assistant role is more than a technical job—it is an opportunity to support global scientific advancement, contribute to sustainable development, and work within one of the world’s most respected international organizations. For IT professionals who value purpose alongside professional challenge, ICTP and UNESCO offer a uniquely rewarding environment.
